Derek Smith News

Though there have been a few modifications to the tour over the last few years (the set design is slightly simpler and some moments have been cut for time) The Lion King is still majestic, astonishing, thrilling, and thoroughly entertaining.

The return of Disney's THE LION KING opens tonight, Friday, January 18 at 8:00 p.m. at Bass Concert Hall for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, February 10. “To date, sales for The Lion King have exceeded our expectations but with a four week run in Austin, there are still outstanding seats available in every price range,' said Kathy Panoff, Director and Associate Dean of Texas Performing Arts.

The National Tour of Disney's THE LION KING leaps onto the SHN Orpheum Theatre stage now through January 13, 2013. THE LION KING returns to San Francisco for the first time since its triumphant 43-week run at the SHN Orpheum Theatre in 2004. The cast of the National Tour took a moment to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Click below!

Casting has been announced for the Austin engagement of DISNEY'S THE LION KING. The production features Derek Smith as "Scar", Dionne Randolph as "Mufasa", Buyi Zama as "Rafiki", Mark David Kaplan as "Zazu", Ben Lipitz as "Pumbaa", Nick Cordileone as "Timon", Jelani Remy as "Simba", Syndee Winters as "Nala", Keith Bennett as "Banzai", Rashada Dawan as "Shenzi" and Robbie Swift as "Ed."

San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre plays host to Disney's 'The Lion King' now through January 13, 2013. I put that out there right away because if you're one for keeping a bucket list of must-see things to do and see before you 'exit stage left' then this show is surely one for the list.

A broad tree rises from a bed of roots into a green canopy. All about the trunk flowers of red and blue sprout and hang amongstferns and vines. A large branch forms an arch and from atop it something stirs. This could describe an equatorial jungle, or Abingdon, Virginia. Derek Smith, Resident Scenic Designer at Barter Theatre, talks about his experience designing TARZAN THE MUSICAL.

Tickets are currently on sale for UP Comedy Club's roster of stand-up and sketch shows including Robert Klein, Kyle Kinane, Loni Love, 'The Second City's Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue,' Carlos Mencia and a special one night event featuring Nick Kroll. Tickets can be purchased by calling 312-662-4562 or visiting UPComedyClub.com. UP Comedy Club is located at 230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor of Piper's Alley in Chicago.

Casting has been announced for the San Francisco return engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. San Francisco's most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the SHN Orpheum Theatre stage from Thursday, November 1, 2012 to Sunday, January 13, 2013. THE LION KING returns to San Francisco for the first time since its triumphant 43-week run at the SHN Orpheum Theatre in 2004.

Red Bull Theater has announced its Classical Acting Intensive Series of 2012-13 master classes. Full details below!

So funny, STC extends it to November 4 (THANKFULLY) due to public demand.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company, recipient of the 2012 Regional Theatre Tony Award, presents the first mainstage production of its 2012-2013 Season. The Government Inspector, running now through October 28 at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street NW). Get a first look at the cast onstage in the photos below!

Red Bull Theater has announced its Classical Acting Intensive Series of 2012-13 master classes. Full details below!

The Shakespeare Theatre Company, recipient of the 2012 Regional Theatre Tony Award, announces casting for the first mainstage production of its 2012-2013 Season. The Government Inspector, running from tonight, September 13 - October 28 at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street NW), features new and familiar faces to STC's stages.

As part of the annual New York Musical Theatre Festival, the Paley Center is pleased to honor the three-time Tony Award-winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick-who collaborated with composer Jerry Bock on landmark musicals including the Pulitzer Prize winner Fiorello!, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Rothschilds.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company, recipient of the 2012 Regional Theatre Tony Award, announces casting for the first two mainstage productions of its 2012-2013 Season. The Government Inspector, running from September 13 - October 28 at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street NW), and A Midsummer Night's Dream, running from November 15 - December 30 at Sidney Harman Hall(610 F Street NW), both feature new and familiar faces to STC's stages.

The Paley Center for Media has announced its July 2012 events, featuring the New York premiere of the HBO documentary film ABOUT FACE: SUPERMODELS THEN AND NOW, Soledad O'Brien, Sheldon Harnick, and more. See below for further details.